Few things are as frustrating for a parent as when their baby can’t seem to calm down and stop crying. You feel powerless or helpless as you worry about your little one, wishing you could provide her with some comfort (and provide yourself with some relief).
Why babies cry
Sometimes, a baby will cry because he has an unmet need. It might be that your baby is hungry and needs to be fed. It could be that your baby is uncomfortable, and needs to have her diaper changed. It could be that he’s too hot or too cold. In some cases, it could be that she’s ill. If your baby has had a particularly active day, it could be that he is overstimulated, and crying is a way for him to sort of wind down and let out the stress of the day. (And who among us adults hasn’t had to have a good cry at the end of a stressful day, too?)
And then there’s colic
Some babies, however, cry for an unknown reason, and they do it often. If your baby cries for more than 3 hours at a time, more than three times a week, for three weeks in a row, then your baby may have colic.
Colic isn’t a condition that is going to cause any sort of long-term harm to your baby. However, it can cause plenty of short-term frustration for both you and your baby. There may be some things you can do to help your baby who has colic, such as try some relaxing music or white noise albums. You might instead be able to get some results with gripe water, which can calm a baby’s stomach.
The good news is that it eventually will pass. You just need to be patient while you’re going through it, and remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.